A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the della Torre family of Italy.
Reg. 0471 · Italian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à une tour de gu., accostée de deux fleurs-de-lis d'or et surm. d'un croiss. du même.”
ItalyGènes, c. 1775
Where the della Torre Arms Were Recorded
Gènes
Map of Italy showing where the della Torre arms are recorded
The della Torre arms were recorded in Gènes, c. 1775.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Italy in this period.
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
Sovereign of the period
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
1763–1778
Reigning in Italy when the della Torre arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Italy
In the Italian states, coats of arms were often used by noble families to show their status and history. These symbols were passed down through the generations to all legitimate male descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design but sometimes added small changes to distinguish their specific line from the main branch.
Granting authority
Various local rulers and city governments controlled the use of coats of arms across the different Italian states.
How they got arms
Families often assumed their own arms or received them as official grants from local lords, popes, or city councils.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in local city archives or private family books rather than in one single national register.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Italy.
Origin & History of the della Torre Family in Italy
The family name della Torre, which translates literally to "of the tower," likely originated as a descriptive title for individuals who lived near or served as guardians of a prominent fortification. By the late eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Genoa, a major maritime hub that served as a crossroads for trade and migration across the Mediterranean. Records confirm that members of the family were active in the city by 1775, likely participating in the vibrant commercial or civic life that defined the region during this era. Because the name is linked to a physical structure, it suggests that the earliest ancestors were either landowners of significant property or officials tasked with maintaining the defensive architecture of their local territory. This connection to the landscape helped the family anchor their identity within the social fabric of northern Italy as they moved through the generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Turris
Latin term referring to a tall structure or fortification.
This name
della TorreIndicates a family originating from or residing near a prominent tower.
also spelled
Dellatorr
Dellatorri
dela Tore
Related arms
Torrevariant spelling
Malatestarecorded with della Torre, same area
Malatesta de Riminirecorded with della Torre, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Grendi, Edoardo. La Repubblica aristocratica dei Genovesi: Politica, carità, religione. 1987
Archivio di Stato di Genova, Stato Civile della Repubblica di Genova
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
